PUTRAJAYA: For the first time, the Foreign Ministry is extending an open recruitment for the position of Malaysia’s representative to Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR).
The Ministry was therefore extending its deadline for the application for the position from today to Nov 15, said its minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah today.
“For the first time it will be done in an open manner. This is in line with the government’s manifesto for a clear, transparent, merit-based and participatory selection and appointment process.
“So we are extending the dateline to Nov 15 due to overwhelming applications received even after the dateline expired.
“The extension of the dateline will also ensure that the larger pool of candidates of human rights experts are given the opportunity to be considered for the position,” he said after attending the ministry’s Excellence Awards Ceremony (APC) presentation here.
Saifuddin also encouraged people from all walks of society, from the civil societies, non-governmental organisations, academicians and the general public, to ensure a wider participation by all levels and background.
The submission of applications was previously from Oct 1 to Oct 14, but was now extended to Nov 15.
Saifuddin said the ministry will announce the names of the shortlisted candidates in the final week of November.
Malaysia’s AICHR representative was previously Tan Sri Dr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah and currently is Edmund Bon Tai Soon.
Saifuddin said Malaysia joins Thailand and Indonesia to appoint an AICHR representaive out 10 Asean countries.
“This will be third time for Malaysia to appoint a representative for the 2019 to 2021 term,” hesaid.
Earlier, Saifuddin presented the APC to 108 staff of the ministry and also gave awards of appreciation to 40 staff who retired this year.